After Job's three friends can find no further way to reply to him, a fourth and younger person speaks up-Elihu. Though he held his tongue at first because he was in the presence of elders, he became so angry that he could not help but speak (5). It is good that he first listened carefully before replying.

Elihu rebukes Job's friends for condemning him even though they could find no way to refute his arguments (12-13). We should not condemn someone when we don't have true knowledge of what they are going through. It is better to withhold judgment altogether.

Elihu claims to have genuine wisdom and to speak without partiality (21). When the Holy Spirit inspires someone with insight, they deserve to be listened to, whether they are young or old. Let's pray for discernment of when the Spirit is leading us to speak out.


Application: Father, help me always listen and pray before speaking. Give me true wisdom and understanding from your Spirit.
One Word: Speak words of understanding